There are some issues to keep in mind when you suffer roof leaks and are thinking of or have filed an insurance claim. A roof leak in and of itself does not mean that your roof is going to be covered under your insurance policy. We receive many phone calls from insureds wondering why their roof is not being paid for by the insurance company.
In order for you to potentially have the insurance company pay for your roof, the roof itself has to have suffered damage due to the storm meaning that it either has suffered wind damage or was struck by a tree or other sort of debris. The interior damages to your home are going to be covered under some insurance policies, however many of the insurance companies have added language to their policy stating in summary that to be covered for weather related damages, there needs to have been a breach in the building envelope that allowed the water to enter.
Due to this language many people have had a Problem with a Roof Leak Claim. The changing policy language is one of the reasons why you may wish to engage a Alconero and Associates Public Adjusters immediately upon suffering a roof leak damage claim as we will investigate, file, compile and ultimately fight to ensure that you are properly compensated for your loss.
Make a roof leak claim
Filing a Florida roof leak damage claim is not easy. There are several issues that can represent a difficulty for the client. A poor filing can have consequences on the outcome of the claim, ranging from a low award to a complete denial of payment. So, in the event of this type of damage to your home, the best thing you can do is contact a public roof leak adjuster in Florida for advice from the start.
Roof leaks are an issue that deserves our full attention. It may seem that it is a minor issue and that it will not have great consequences, but this is not the case. It does not matter if it is a single leak or many distributed throughout the house, the problem will definitely get worse over time. It’s even possible that, after a while, damage from Florida roof leaks will start to pose a risk to your health. The entry of water can generate the conditions for the formation of fungi and mold, which, when entering the respiratory tract, are the cause of diseases and respiratory problems.
Another risk that is not widely taken into account is the possibility of fire due to a leak in the roof. Ingressed water can fall on electrical appliances or electrical wiring and cause a short circuit. A spark is enough to start a fire source. For all these reasons, it is essential to attend to the problem quickly, and file the claim correctly with the insurance company.
Tips for recognizing roof leaks
One of the main causes of claim delay is the time it takes to realize there is a roof leak. It can take days or even months before we notice a leak, and that time can be very valuable. Therefore, we review some tips to detect Florida roof leak damage early and attack the problem quickly and effectively.
Among the first signs of leaking, we may notice that a damp patch begins to develop on the ceiling or walls of the house. This brown stain can go unnoticed, especially if it is in a dark or secluded area. No matter the size of it, even if it is small it can represent significant damage to the roof.
Another telltale sign is the presence of intermittent dripping coming from the ceiling or along a wall or chimney. This dripping is not usually constant, since it strongly depends on the amount of precipitation that is occurring at that time. Florida roof leak damage can be mistaken for a water supply leak, as the signs are often very similar.
It is also possible to identify Florida roof leak damage on the outside of the home. If you notice stains on the wall/ceiling dividing line, or mold or moss, there is likely a leak. It is also convenient to check the roof periodically, looking for a missing tile. This could mean a leak problem that you may not have noticed inside yet.
How to know if your insurance should pay you
Commonly, insurance policies cover a series of damages or problems that may occur in a home. The main point to recognize if your company should pay for Florida roof leak damages, is to identify the source of the leak. It is not the same if the leak was caused by lightning or a branch, by wind, storms or hurricanes, or by vandalism or theft. All this is relevant when filing the claim, since depending on the origin, the company may refuse to pay.
Currently, it is quite common for insurers not to cover damage caused by weather conditions such as strong winds or hail. At least they don’t in generic insurance policies, so you should explicitly ask that they include that risk within the clauses. A review of your policy can make sure if it is covered, and see the detail of all the causes that are included within. We know that in many cases, policy language can be complex. That’s why at Alconero & Associates we can provide you with the best advice so that you do not have doubts about it.
Trust a Florida Public Roof Leak Adjuster
Unfortunately, it is common for insurance companies not to act in the best way in the face of claims. Even if your policy covers Florida roof leak damage, the insurer may try to get out of paying through some loophole or hidden clause. That is why it is important that you contact a trusted public adjuster, with the experience of Alconero & Associates. In this way, you will ensure the best representation against the insurance company, to be on equal terms in your claim.
Another important question when making a claim is the amount that the insurer must pay. Like any for-profit company, the business will want to make as much profit as possible, and this means minimizing payouts. At the time of the inspection, the insurer’s employee will try to deduct expenses or not recognize them in full. That’s another reason to have a public adjuster who can correctly calculate the value of the settlement.
Ultimately, facing a claim for damages due to roof leaks Florida, Alconero & Associates will always be on your side, defending your interests. You will receive the best advice before, during and after an incident. We will help you file the claim in a timely manner, we will represent you before the insurance company and we will obtain the best deal so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
